Marilyn Prairie Chicken lost her mother several years ago to colorectal cancer. Shortly thereafter, her sisters decided to get a test called FOBT.
The FOBT test looks for polyps, which are unusual growths in the rectum or colon. Polyps can sometimes lead to colorectal cancer.
That’s why it’s important to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
During the test, Marilyn’s sisters both found they had polyps. Marilyn decided to follow suit and be screened herself.
“I told my sisters I had the FOBT test done,” Marilyn said. “But then they said I should get a colonoscopy too, just to be sure.”
A colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor looks at the inside of the colon using a long, flexible tube with a light and camera.
During Marilyn’s colonoscopy, doctors discovered three polyps. One was at a stage that required Marilyn to go to the doctor to have it regularly examined.
Marilyn was extremely thankful she got the colonoscopy. Her life may have been saved.
Marilyn, like her sister, has become an advocate for colon cancer screenings. She encourages others to be proactive about their health so they’re around to see their grandchildren grow up.
“Know your family history and do what you need to do to have a high quality of life.”
If you or someone you know is over age 50 or at risk for colorectal cancer, call today for a screening. The older you get, the more your risk increases.
And if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer—bloody stool, stomach pain that doesn’t go away, cramps or weight loss —call your health care provider right away.
You can also reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices. Exercise regularly. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Keep a high-fiber and low-fat diet. Maintain a healthy weight. And limit tobacco and alcohol use.